Why Technological Progress Is Subjective + Why I'm Not Afraid

Momma Told Me: Androids and robots aren't that far away!

I grew up with the sound of The Legend of Zelda (1986) playing in the background at my crib, the sound of Star Trek: The Next Generation my lullaby as a toddler, and I watched as humans evolved from CIA-esque briefcase phones to the modern smartphone wonders that populate us today. Some call me part of the 'Google generation,' others, more loyal to Apple would call us the 'i' Generation; regardless, I see no reason to jump and shout about that the sky is falling. I do not fear machine enslavement, and I do not think that society will collapse should the 'Grid' go down. While the consumer technology of this very moment is certainly quite impressive, compared to 40 years ago, my parents shared the same wonderment at the Halogen Lamp, Cassette Tape, and Space Wars, 1962 (first computer game). It remains a simple fact, the rate of technological development for our society has remained shocking through generation after generation.

I think the biggest key to accepting technological advance is to remain grounded in the understanding of prior methods and technology. That is to ask, will my grandchildren understand how to search and find a local pizzeria without assistance from Google, or their Android phone? The way I see it, the biggest aspect we have to fear, with technology, is an increased ignorance of the past. If a nationwide blackout were to occur, the only excuse for paranoia would be our own ignorance. Our ancestors were surviving for generations without the same technology and innovations. Much like game show contestants of the popular Survivor TV series do before applying, we should all be so keen as to learn the 'basics' untethered from these digital cords.

When I was fresh out of high school I considered myself quite tech savvy. I entered into Art School, for Video Game Design (yup), and was promptly overwhelmed by the number of computer programming classes in my first semester line-up. What had happened to learning to paint 2-D cells, and real life anatomy models? I've since accepted my comprehension of current technological trends is more mainstream than those who upgrade their phones each quarter. I enjoy reading about the newest technology and trends, but I'm not the first to jump on the bandwagon. I am more proficient than most of those I meet in the generation before me, and even more advanced than the generation before that. But, even I, still marvel at the true power of the services and features on common devices like the modern cellphone or tablet. Take a look at the video above and how Google has transformed a day of modern errands into a virtual guided experience!

10 comments:

Very interesting. Love the google graphic that says your search results will be ready in 30 days! I'm 33 so I grew up learning how to do research in libraries, use a phone book, an atlas, etc. Its good to know how to do things both ways - with and without technology. And I will teach my kids the same even if they do roll their eyes at my antiquated way of doing things.

My kids ask me all the time how we lived before the Internet. I remember when search engines first started, when I was in high school, and they looked like these black and green DOS based dinosaurs. Technology has come a LONG way!

I love staying up to date on tech, but I also don't jump on the bandwagon right away. I wait a bit and watch how it works. I usually see the reviews after its been on the market a while to see all the pros and done, then I shop frugally for the tech gear that best suits me.

I can't believe that Google search says 30 days for the search! I love the post, so very true. My first computer was a tiny 9" MAC ... I should say the screen itself was tiny but the computer was big and heavy. I love technology and keeping up with the times, but not jumping too fast is important. Awesome video too! I love all the great graphics in that video!